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Keep Left: What It Means & What To Do

Keep Left (R4-8) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stay to the left of an obstacle, median, or traffic island
MUTCD CodeR4-8
CategoryRegulatory Signs
ShapeRectangle (vertical)
ColorWhite with black/red

What Does the Keep Left Mean?

Stay to the left of an obstacle, median, or traffic island.

About This Sign

The keep left sign directs drivers to pass to the left side of an obstruction or median.

Commonly Confused With

Keep Right (R4-7) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stay to the right of an obstacle, median, or traffic island

Keep Right

R4-7

Other Regulatory Signs

Stop Sign (R1-1) - octagon red with white regulatory sign: Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk

Stop Sign

R1-1

Yield Sign (R1-2) - triangle (inverted) red and white regulatory sign: Slow down and be prepared to stop

Yield Sign

R1-2

Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk (R1-5b) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stop for pedestrians within the crosswalk

Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk

R1-5b

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Keep Left mean?

Stay to the left of an obstacle, median, or traffic island.

What shape and color is the Keep Left?

The Keep Left uses the Rectangle (vertical) shape and White with black/red coloring.

Practice Road Sign Questions

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Keep Left Meaning 2026 - DMV Test Guide & Free Practice | DMV IQ